Walking into the ‘24-’25 school year, South Windsor High School students had lofty expectations for how they wanted their year to go. With a new principal, hopes were high until it came to the new phone policy. While some say this policy is a blessing, others view it as a curse.
Governor Ned Lemont has proposed an initiative to restrict cell phone use within school environments across Connecticut. This new state-wide policy is in the process of approval. The SWHS administration team intends to prepare students for this shift by implementing new rules in the high school, restricting cell phone usage.
This new policy has been a controversial topic amongst students.
“The new cell policy is going to have productive value for the minority who struggle with phone addiction,” junior Nafissa Ly stated. “However, I worry it would hinder those who work effectively with music, alone or have social anxiety.”
During the first monthly assembly, the administrative team encouraged SWHS students to report any behavior that violates the new phone policy, specifically teachers. Many members of the senior class had a negative reaction to this request.
Junior Xelayna Flordelis says she doesn’t find the policy reasonable when it comes to independent work.
“I think it’s reasonable while teachers are teaching, but I think it’s unreasonable when it comes to independent work because I know some students like to listen to music while they work,” Flordelis told The Prowl.
Both juniors expressed how the new policy would help a small percentage of the student population with phone addictions but would greatly affect the students who would rather work alone than in a group setting.
With new information coming to light regarding the school shooting in Georgia on September 4th, 2024. Parents have some concerns regarding the loss of contact between them and their children while school is in session.
A parent of a South Windsor High student expressed his concern regarding the policy.
“I’m against the new policy. I think for safety reasons these days, kids should be able to have them on them,” said Jesse Giammarino.
To enforce the phone policy, many teachers have a phone pocket chart and the others have a slotted box for students to place their phone into. Leaving phones in the corner of a classroom and taking away easy access to communication in the event of an emergency.
With the issues in today’s world, many students feel they should be able to keep their phones on them, but compromise with the policy by leaving them tucked away in their bags to limit distractions.
